Community Service Reflection: Annual Free Books for Children Event

As the Community Outreach Co-Chair for the San Diego County Bar Association’s New Lawyer Division (NLD), I am thrilled to share with you the heartwarming success of the recent annual Free Books for Children event held at Balboa Park’s Spreckels Organ Pavilion on April 27, 2024.  This event, organized in collaboration with Roosevelt Brown — a dedicated advocate for literacy — has been instrumental in our community for the past 40 years. Read More

Embarking on a Legal Voyage in a New City: Insights for Law Students and New Lawyers

As a solo practitioner specializing in family law at Aloha Divorce in California, my journey into the legal profession began with a leap of faith—moving to San Diego, California, from Buffalo, New York. Through this experience, I’ve gleaned invaluable personal and professional insights. Here are some key pieces of advice for law students and new lawyers. Read More

Message from Community Outreach Co-Chair 

 Greetings NLD Members!  

I hope this message finds you well as we dive into the lively month of April. As we embark on another exciting chapter with the San Diego County Bar Association’s New Lawyer Division (NLD), I am delighted to share with you a preview of upcoming events and a glimpse into the spirit driving our division forward.  Read More

Tips from the Bar: Jenn French, Esq. 

Before becoming the formidable plaintiff’s attorney and law firm partner that she is today, Jenn French began her career as a claims examiner at Mercury Insurance. There, Jenn resolved high-value injury cases and frequently interacted with attorneys. It was during this time that she heard parties complaining about the shortcomings in their legal representation and thought, “I could do better than that.” A pivotal moment came when an in-house counsel attorney at Mercury Insurance recognized Jenn’s potential and encouraged her to consider law school.   Read More

Tips from the Bench: Judge Roger Benitez 

Judge Roger Benitez presides over Department 5A of United States Southern District Court in San Diego. Judge Benitez gives back to the San Diego legal community through his service on the board of directors for Thomas Jefferson School of Law. In addition to this, he was a member of De Anza Rescue Unit, an organization devoted to searching for and rescuing people lost or missing. He was also a member of the El Centro Planning Commission and was active in youth soccer and swimming organizations. He also served for nine years on the Judicial Conference Committee on Financial Disclosures, and now serves on the Judicial Panel for Multi District Litigation. Judge Benitez serves the San Diego community in more ways than one.   Read More

NLD Member Spotlight: Gaia T. Linehan 

Gaia T. Linehan, Esq., is a civil litigation attorney at the San Diego office of Freeman Mathis & Gary. LLP. Her practice focuses on commercial litigation, employment law, and tort matters. She has handled many aspects of civil litigation from pre-litigation alternative dispute resolution through trial.  Read More

Tips from the Bar: Cynthia L. Stratton 

“There’s no right way to do the wrong thing.” Cynthia L. Stratton, managing partner of civil litigation and employment law firm Stratton & Green, ALC and SDCBA board member, was raised with this adage. But there are myriad ways to do the right thing. Stratton does the right thing by focusing on relationships and community. Read More

Message from Legal Education Co-Chair: Catharine McGlynn 

Happy National Women’s Month! 

My name is Catharine “Kate” McGlynn, and I am in my third year of practice. I have been involved with the New Lawyer Division since 2021 and this is my first year serving on the NLD Executive Committee. I am the 2024 Legal Education Co-Chair, so I am tasked with bringing you all some top-notch CLE events.  Read More